Welcome to LIHEAP NEWSwire — the electronic newsletter of the Campaign for Home Energy Assistance. Your contributions, comments and suggestions are welcomed. Submissions should be sent to info@liheap.org. If you know of someone else who might like to receive this newsletter, please forward their e-mail address to the same location.
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November 30 , 2006
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Within the Campaign ...

National Fuel Funds Network Action Day - February 1, 2007
NFFN’s annual Washington Action Day is only two months away, and registration is now open. More information on how you can be involved in the event can be found at www.nationalfuelfunds.org.

Natural Gas Utilities launch ‘The Power Is In Your Hands” Energy-Efficiency Campaign
The American Gas Association (AGA) and several other national organizations have partnered with the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) to launch the “Power Is In Your Hands” campaign, which educates consumers about home energy efficiency. As part of this campaign, AGA, ASE and energy partners have provided a low-income Washington, DC family with a home and vehicle energy makeover.

Further details are available at:
http://www.aga.org/Template.cfm?Section=News_and_Press_Releases&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=21181

Reminder: Campaign Resources
One of the strengths of the Campaign is the shared resources and knowledge that each member organization is able to contribute. We’d like to remind members of the excellent website, www.saveliheap.org, and we encourage the use of this valuable tool for advoacts who want to directly contact their legislators, particularly as the new Congress begins. And of course, the LIHEAP Databook and Poll data are available at www.liheap.org for statistics, appropriations information, and substantiation of public support for LIHEAP.

In Washington ...

GOP Punts on Spending Bills
Capping a year of fiscal futility, GOP leaders have given up on passing the annual spending bills during the post-election session.

Instead, when they return the week of Dec. 4, lawmakers will enact another short-term continuing resolution (CR), or stopgap spending measure. This would push the unfinished fiscal 2007 spending bills into next year, kicking their completion to the Democratic-led 110th Congress.

The decision bows to conservative lawmakers opposed to passing an omnibus spending package likely to be laden with earmarks in the post-election session.

B arring a sudden change of heart, it also will burden Democrats, who regained control of both chambers of Congress in the Nov. 7 election, with the task of completing the fiscal 2007 spending bills as they seek to enact their agenda and focus on the fiscal 2008 budget. - CQ.com, November 27, 2006

Further details are available (subscription only) at:
http://cq.com/display.do?dockey=/cqonline/prod/data/docs/html/weeklyreport/109/weeklyreport109-000002406854.html@allnews&metapub=CQ-WEEKLYREPORT&searchIndex=0&seqNum=7

Post-election thoughts
This is a time of tremendous change in Washington as a result of last month’s elections. While there is some optimism in the community that a shift to Democratic control could lead to increased funding for LIHEAP, the full impact of the elections are yet to be seen. It is critical to note that the new Congress will feel signicant demands for increased funding from all sectors and will have to balance those requests with the pressure to fulfill campaign promises of fiscal restraint and accountability. As committee assingments complete the post-election picture, the Campaign will include a more complete analysis of the potential impact for LIHEAP in the December newsletter.

In the States ...

State recieves energy grant
Massachusetts will receive a $9 million Home Energy Loan Program grant, Rep. Jim Marzilli, co-chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee at the Council of State Governments said last Wednesday.

The program provides loans to homeowners to be used for investments in energy improvements.

“This will help make Massachusetts more energy independent, and save homeowners money,” said Marzilli.

Low Income Home Energy Loan Program (LIHEAP) can provide loans of up to $15,000 at an interest rate as low as 1 percent to homeowners with incomes of up to 115 percent of the area median income. — Arlington Advocate (MA), November 9, 2006

Continue reading this story at:
http://www2.townonline.com/arlington/artsLifestyle/view.bg?articleid=612078


Home heating fuel co-op proposed
County Comptroller Michael Conners continued his push Monday to bring home heating fuel costs under control by suggesting a local fuel cooperative.

“I’m sending a letter today to all heating fuel companies listed in the Yellow Pages in Albany County to ask them to come to a meeting after Christmas to discuss ways we can all work together on a group-purchase of home heating fuels,” Conners said.

C onners has advocated on behalf of consumers since June on the price of gasoline, diesel and home heating fuel, “and while we are going to continue to push for a New York state remedy with a change in the energy policy, it’s important for us to act locally as well.”

He plans on pursuing three avenues in an effort to have an impact on home heating fuel. Primarily, he would like to see the County Legislature approve the establishment of a cooperative in the county “that will help lower-income senior citizens and the general homeowner buy home heating fuel,” he said. The co-op would buy in volume and provide savings. — Times Union (NY), November 28, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=539234&category=ALBANY&BCCode=&newsdate=11/29/2006

In the News ...

Heating help is one call aways
As we turn our calendars to this year’s final page -- the recent balmy temperatures notwithstanding -- it is only a matter of time, perhaps as early as this weekend, until heating season will descend upon central Pennsylvania again in earnest.

For many of our neighbors, however, it will be the season of no heat.

The oil tank or wood box is empty, or nearly so; or the electricity bill, already overdue, makes adjusting the thermostat an unaffordable luxury.

But no one needs to suffer from the lack of heat this winter. Help is available. And it is available 24 hours a day by calling Centre County’s Community Help Line -- 800-494-2500.

As it did last year, Pennsylvania has added state money to the federal funds in LIHEAP -- the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. — Centre Daily Times (PA), November 30, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/opinion/16127480.htm


Merger Promises Lower Heating Prices for Poors
Winter may have once been dismal at the intersection of 16th and Bristol streets in North Philadelphia, but now more than 25,000 families in Philadelphia are being promised a 40 percent discount in heating prices thanks to a major merger of CITGO Petroleum and Citizens Energy Corporation.

At the home of Ann Henry, a silver oil truck pulled up to make its first delivery of the season. Henry’s unusually powerful company included mayoral candidate Congressman Chaka Fattah, Venezuelan Ambassador to the United States Bernardo Alvarez, CITGO President and CEO Felix Rodriguez and Citizens Energy Chairman and President Joseph P. Kennedy II. —The Evening Bulletin (PA), November 29, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.theeveningbulletin.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17525997&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=6


Officials sweating heating help uncertainty
Like the families they serve, officials who provide heating help to low-income households say they’re worried about making ends meet as an unpredictable Iowa winter approaches.

Heating fuel prices are lower than a year ago, weather forecasters are calling for a milder than normal winter, and Democrats who have championed heating assistance take over Congress in January.

But those factors are overshadowed by anxiety over the future of federal funding.

Last winter, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, received $3.1 billion nationwide, including more than $50 million for Iowa households. Congress pumped an extra $1 billion into the program to address record heating bills.

But current budget plans call for scaling funding back to $2.1 billion. Advocates say such a move would slash benefits paid to Iowa families by 30 percent.

“I’m not optimistic that we’re going to get as much as we got last year,” said Jerry McKim, who administers Iowa’s LIHEAP program. “It’s tragic because I’m fully expecting that at least as many and probably more households will sign up.”

Last winter, LIHEAP provided an average benefit of $451 to 89,638 low-income Iowa households. If funding backtracks, that benefit would drop to $315.

Fuel prices also have retreated. The price of natural gas is 19 percent lower than a year ago, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Propane prices are slightly lower.

But those declines are from record highs. And McKim argues that thousands of Iowans are still trying to pay bills that date back to last winter.

Between April and October, Iowa’s investor-owned, rate-regulated utilities sent out more than 41,000 disconnect notices. McKim said more than 15,000 were still without service when a moratorium on shutoffs started Nov. 1.

“It wouldn’t take much of a bump in the weather to make it more expensive than a year ago,” McKim said.

So far, the weather has cooperated, although the season’s first major blast of arctic air is forecast to hit the state today. National Weather Service long-range forecasts are predicting above-normal temperatures through March.

“It’s been wonderful so far,” said Myrna Long, energy assistance coordinator for North Iowa Community Action based in Mason City.

The agency has signed up 2,800 households for LIHEAP so far and expects 5,000 by winter’s end. That’s roughly the same as last year.

“But we do know we’re going to have winter in North Iowa eventually,” Long said.

What isn’t decided by Mother Nature will be in the hands of a new Democratic Congress. Michael Bracy, who directs the Campaign for Home Energy Assistance in Washington, D.C., said there is no guarantee Democrats will carve out more heating help in a tight budget.

“There’s not a lot of money to go around,” Bracy said. “Our hope is that it will be a better environment for LIHEAP. We’re just not going to know until we get into January and February and really begin discussions.” — Quad City Times (IA) and Sioux City Journal, November 29, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/11/29/news/state/doc456d1ad85fd92425129514.txt
and
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2006/11/29/news/iowa/cfd00cddc8662c3f86257235000cf87e.txt

Middle class is hit harder as utility shutoffs reach a record high
The number of Rhode Islanders who have lost utility service for not paying their bills this year has jumped 12 percent over last year, setting an all-time high, according to the most recent information released by the state.

The figures also show that the biggest jump in shutoffs occurred in households that do not receive federal heating assistance, suggesting that more middle-class families are having trouble paying heating bills. — Providence (RI) Journal, November 19, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.projo.com/business/content/BZ_SHUTOFFS15_11-19-06_202SU28.27b4be8.html

No need to freeze this winter
Mayor Thomas M. Menino urged Boston seniors and other residents to be prepared for winter emergencies.

“No one should be without heat in their home this winter, and no one should endure unsafe conditions,” said Menino. “No matter the emergency, there is help available, whether through my Senior Home Emergency Home Repair Program, HeatWorks or other city services.”

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides eligible households with help in paying winter heating bills. The program pays benefits of fixed amounts based on household income and size. LIHEAP operates between Nov. 1 and April 30, offering financial assistance to residents who are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The maximum benefit this year is $684. Special provisions are made for those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in subsidized housing. Homeowners and renters are both eligible. — Town Online (MA), November 28, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www2.townonline.com/allston/artsLifestyle/view.bg?articleid=623156

Help for high utility bills available
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is working with 19 community service agencies across the state to help those less fortunate get through the cold winter months. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a utility assistance program for eligible individuals and families, who must sign up with their local agency for assistance. Priority is given to individuals with disabilities, the elderly and low income families with children under 6-years old.

“As we enter the holiday season, we are reminded that many in our communities are not always able to meet their basic needs,” said DHS Commissioner Gina Lodge. “LIHEAP is there to help those eligible citizens who are struggling to pay their energy bills. Although the program used to be thought of as an emergency aid program or a summer or winter assistance program, with sign-up times limited to a few times a year, this is not the case. Citizens can and should go to their local agencies any time during the year to sign up. Assistance will be provided as long as the funds are available." — Murfreesboro (TN) Post, November 24, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.murfreesboropost.com/news.php?viewStory=895

As Temperatures Drop, Utility Assistance Needs Rise
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is working with 19 community service agencies across the state to help those less fortunate get through the cold winter months.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a utility assistance program for eligible individuals and families, who must sign up with their local agency for assistance. Priority is given to individuals with disabilities, the elderly and low income families with children under 6-years old. — Eyewitness News Memphis, November 22, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=258e144b-44be-47cb-8cf5-0b29deffb2d9

Time to turn up the heat
It has been a deceptively warm autumn, the constant hum of a firing furnace still mostly a memory from last winter. The unseasonable temperatures pose a challenge this week for medical researchers who have documented a link between the cost of fuel and the health of children.

“It is hard to get the attention of policy makers on this issue when it feels like spring outside,” acknowledged Dr. Lauren A. Smith, an associate professor of pediatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine and chairman of the research team that has concluded that adequate fuel assistance is a medical necessity for the well-being of low-income children.

So many of the findings of the Child Health Impact Working Group to be released this week seem self-evident: Families with limited incomes often are forced to choose between paying for food and paying for heat; children who are malnourished often live in homes where the heat has been turned off or the fuel bill has gone unpaid. The study’s results certainly were not surprising to Smith, a pediatrician at Boston Medical Center who sees children who fit this profile every week in her clinical practice. — Boston Globe, November 19, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/11/19/time_to_turn_up_the_heat/

Do these bills give you a warm feeling?
An elderly man from Broome County was struggling to figure out how he was going to get his first fuel delivery of this cold season paid for. On SSD, he is on a fixed income and has very little money for extra expenses throughout the year. When the cold weather starts, he is not even able to put money aside, even though he knows he absolutely will need it for heat. He had applied to Project Share at the beginning of the year, so he was ineligible now. A local agency referred him to Lend-A-Hand and we were able to assist him with the minimum delivery that this company provides. This gave this man a little peace of mind for the next couple of months so he can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which will hopefully help him with his next delivery when it is even colder out. — Press & Sun-Bulletin (NY), November 28, 2006

Further details are available at:
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/NEWS01/611280317/1006

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LIHEAP NEWSwire,  ©2006.  Published monthly by the Campaign for Home Energy Assistance, 1615 L Street, N.W., Suite 520, Washington, DC 20036.  Phone (202) 429-8855.   Some links are time-sensitive. Some sources also may require registration or fee-based subscriptions. To subscribe, send an e-mail to info@liheap.org with "LIHEAP NEWSwire subscribe" in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an e-mail the same address with the words "LIHEAP NEWSwire unsubscribe" in the subject line.